First Nations Student Support Assistant (Identified)

Centre for Continuing Education; Sydney; On-site; AUD 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for First Nations Student Support Assistants in the Faculty of Medicine and Health. The pro-rata base salary starts at AU$75,885 plus 17% superannuation, with part-time arrangements (one day a week) across 12 months.

The role focuses on culturally appropriate guidance, responding to enquiries, providing pastoral care referrals, maintaining records, and supporting First Nations engagement with the Gadigal Centre and faculties.

Qualifications

• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander
• Year 12 qualification or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience
• experience working in a tertiary education environment
• experience working in a culturally diverse environment and customer service roles
• knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures, including contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and stakeholders
• strong problem-solving skills, initiative and judgement with the ability to prioritise workloads during busy periods
• excellent time and workload management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• understanding of relevant Work Health and Safety policies and legislation applicable to the workplace

Responsibilities

• provide prompt and accurate support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the Faculty, assisting with enquiries throughout the student lifecycle
• provide information, advice and pastoral care referrals while working with students and relevant Faculty teams to address support needs
• develop clear and sensitive communications in response to student enquiries, maintaining professionalism and cultural awareness
• maintain databases, contact lists and student engagement records to support effective service delivery
• use university systems and Faculty resources to research information and respond to student enquiries
• contribute to service improvements by identifying opportunities, supporting reporting processes and recommending process enhancements
• support First Nations communications and engagement activities in collaboration with Faculty leaders and the Gadigal Centre
• participate in First Nations portfolio activities, including staff network meetings and collaboration with First Nations support teams
• assist with health and safety requirements and undertake other duties appropriate within the classification level as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Time management

Customer service

Problem solving

Computer skills

Cultural awareness

Education

Year 12 or equivalent

Experience in tertiary education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• 7x part – time positions (1 day a week), fixed term for 12 months

• We are seeking First Nations Student Support Assistants within the University of Sydney

• Base Salary starting at $75,885 (pro-rata) + 17% Superannuation

About the opportunity

The Faculty of Medicine and Health is committed to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students throughout their university journey by providing culturally appropriate guidance, support and services. We are seeking a First Nations Student Support Assistant to provide high-quality student support, respond to enquiries, assist with engagement initiatives and contribute to improving the student experience.

This position has been designated for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people only under the provisions of section 126 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW). Applicants will be required to provide evidence to confirm that they are an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as per the University's Confirmation of Identity Policy 2015

To be eligible for this position, you must provide a statement and supporting documentation that addresses how you meet each of the following criteria for Aboriginality:

i. be of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; and

ii. identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander; and

iii. be accepted as such by the community in which they live or have lived.

The University may request further information from applicants as required. Supporting documentation may include, but is not limited to, a letter of Aboriginality signed under the common seal from a recognised incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Community organisation such as Land Council or Elders group, Aboriginal Medical Service or a letter on letterhead from a Local Aboriginal Land Council demonstrating membership of the Council.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• provide prompt and accurate support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across the Faculty, assisting with enquiries throughout the student lifecycle

• provide information, advice and pastoral care referrals while working with students and relevant Faculty teams to address support needs

• develop clear and sensitive communications in response to student enquiries, maintaining professionalism and cultural awareness

• maintain databases, contact lists and student engagement records to support effective service delivery

• use university systems and Faculty resources to research information and respond to student enquiries

• contribute to service improvements by identifying opportunities, supporting reporting processes and recommending process enhancements

• support First Nations communications and engagement activities in collaboration with Faculty leaders and the Gadigal Centre

• participate in First Nations portfolio activities, including staff network meetings and collaboration with First Nations support teams

• assist with health and safety requirements and undertake other duties appropriate within the classification level as required.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will:

• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

• Year 12 qualification or an equivalent combination of relevant training and experience

• experience working in a tertiary education environment

• experience working in a culturally diverse environment and customer service roles

• knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander societies and cultures, including contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

• ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and stakeholders

• strong problem-solving skills, initiative and judgement with the ability to prioritise workloads during busy periods

• strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office applications

• excellent time and workload management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

• understanding of relevant Work Health and Safety policies and legislation applicable to the workplace.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University's obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

© The University of Sydney

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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Applications Close

Sunday 06 September 2026 11:59 PM